Put your hands on your radio and feel the power! (or speakers, or ear buds). Sweet Jesus! Mavis Staples gives you the good news as only she can on her latest CD, You Are Not Alone. She knows exactly how to phrase each line of the song for maximum impact and it’s enough the convert even the coldest secular heart, or at least get them to tap their toes. But seriously, you don’t have to be into Gospel music or even a Christian to appreciate and enjoy this CD. It’s chock full of guest appearances from the likes of Jeff Tweedy who gives the songs an edge with his grindy guitar work. Mavis also sings songs written my some guest artists, including a Randy Newman song called “Losing You” which is turns out to be a perfect show case for Staples’ voice. Other highlights for me are “Don’t Knock,” “You Are Not Alone,” and “Downward Road.”
